There are two forms of music recognized to be the oldest forms of traditional Japanese music. They are shomyo (?? or ??); or Buddhist chanting; and gagaku (??) or orchestral court music; both of which date to the Nara and Heian periods. Gagaku is a type of classical music that has been performed at the Imperial court since the Heian period.

Kagura-uta (???); Azuma-asobi(??) and Yamato-uta (???) are indigenous repertories. Togaku (??) and komagaku originated from the Chinese Tang dynasty via the Korean peninsula. In addition; gagaku is divided into kangen (??) (instrumental music) and bugaku (??) (dance accompanied by gagaku). Pictures From History